Information processing apparatus

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-00021. Field of the Invention

p-0003The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses and, more particularly, to an information processing apparatus capable of controlling the operation involved in a key operation.

p-00042. The Related Art

p-0005In recent years, slide mobile phones each having first and second bodies slidable on one another are proposed. In addition, linear mobile phones, flip mobile phones, and foldable mobile phones have also been proposed.

p-0006Users typically carry mobile phones with them always. For example, users have the mobile phones in their pockets to carry them. If any operation keys or switches of the mobile phones are pressed while being carried, the mobile phones can malfunction.

p-0007For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2-44843 discloses a technology for preventing malfunction of a flip mobile phone if any foreign body is caught between the main body of the mobile phone and the flipper thereof.

p-0008With the technology disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2-44843, it is possible to disable the operation of the power key of a flip mobile phone even if the power key is operated after the flipper is closed.

p-0009However, although the technology disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2-44843 can prevent the mobile phone from malfunctioning if any foreign body is caught between the main body of the mobile phone and the flipper thereof, it is not possible to apply the technology to another mobile phone, such as a slide mobile phone in which the operation keys are exposed outside.

p-0010Accordingly, in the slide mobile phone having the operation keys exposed outside, there is a problem in that one or more operation keys are unintentionally pressed while a user carries the mobile phone in his bag or pocket to cause a malfunction. Specifically, the power key in the operation keys is unintentionally pressed while a user carries the mobile phone in his bag or pocket to turn on or off the mobile phone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0011Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of preferably preventing a malfunction unintended by a user even if the operation keys are exposed outside.

p-0012According to an embodiment of the present invention, an information processing apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a second key provided on a body is pressed if a first key provided on the body is pressed and a control unit configured to control so as to disable the first key and inhibit an operation in response to an operation with the first key if it is determined by the determination unit that the second key provided on the body is pressed.

p-0013According to another embodiment of the present invention, a slide information processing apparatus includes a first body, a second body, a guide member, the first body and the second body being slidable on one another via the guide member, a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a second key provided on the second body is pressed if a first key provided on the second body is pressed, and a control unit configured to control so as to disable the first key and inhibit an operation in response to an operation with the first key if it is determined by the determination unit that the second key provided on the second body is pressed.

p-0014According to another embodiment of the present invention, a slide information processing apparatus includes a first body, a second body, a guide member, the first body and the second body being slidable on one another via the guide member, a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the information processing apparatus is in a first state if a first key provided on the second body is pressed, and a control unit configured to control so as to disable the first key and inhibit an operation in response to an operation with the first key if it is determined by the determination unit that the information processing apparatus is in the first state in a case where the first key is pressed for a longer time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref> are external views of a mobile phone to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable;

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> are other external views of the mobile phone to which the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment of the present invention is applicable;

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the mobile phone to which the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment of the present invention is applicable;

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart showing an example of a controlling process of enabling or disabling an end-power key in the mobile phone shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart showing another example of the controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the mobile phone shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flowchart showing another example of the controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the mobile phone shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>; and

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart showing another example of the controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the mobile phone shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

p-0022Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will herein be described with reference to the attached drawings.

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref> are external views of a slide mobile phone <b>1</b> to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

p-0024As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> has a first body <b>11</b> and a second body <b>12</b>. The second body <b>12</b> is provided so as to be slidable on the first body <b>11</b> via a guide unit (guide member) (not shown) in the direction indicated by an X arrow. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is an external front view of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> in a closed state where the first body <b>11</b> is overlaid with second body <b>12</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is an external side view of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> in the closed state where the first body <b>11</b> is overlaid with the second body <b>12</b>.

p-0025The second body <b>12</b> is substantially flat. A main display <b>13</b>, such as a liquid crystal display, is provided in the central portion on the surface of the second body <b>12</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>. Second operation keys <b>14</b> serving as sub-operation keys are provided in the lower portion on the surface of the second body <b>12</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>. A user can use the second operation keys <b>14</b> to input various instructions. The second operation keys <b>14</b> include various operation keys, such as a call key, an end-power key, a clear key, and an e-mail key.

p-0026The second body <b>12</b> also has four keys arranged in a cross shape and a determination key provided as the second operation keys <b>14</b>. The user can operate the keys arranged in the cross shape horizontally or vertically to move the active cursor horizontally or vertically. Specifically, for example, the user can operate the keys arranged in the cross shape to perform various operations including scroll up or down of a telephone directory or an e-mail list, turning of the pages of a simple Web page, or feeding of images on the main display <b>13</b> provided on the second body <b>12</b>.

p-0027The user can press the determination key to determine various functions. For example, when a desired telephone number is selected from multiple telephone numbers in the telephone directory displayed in the main display <b>13</b> in response to a user's operation of any of the keys arranged in a cross shape and the determination key is pressed toward the inner part of the second body <b>12</b>, the selected telephone number is determined and the determined telephone number is called.

p-0028The second body <b>12</b> further has the e-mail key at the left side of the keys arranged in a cross shape and the determination key. The user can enable a function of transmitting and receiving a mail by pressing the e-mail key toward the inner part of the second body <b>12</b>. A browser key is provided at the right side of the keys arranged in a cross shape and the determination key. The user can browse data in a Web page by pressing the browser key toward the inner part of the second body <b>12</b>.

p-0029A speaker <b>15</b> is provided at a certain position near the upper end on the surface of the second body <b>12</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>. The provision of the speaker <b>15</b> allows the user to perform audio communication. The second body <b>12</b> has a side key <b>16</b> used for operating the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. Magnetic sensors <b>17</b><i>a</i>, <b>17</b><i>b</i>, and <b>17</b><i>c </i>are provided at certain positions in the inner parts of the first body <b>11</b> and the second body <b>12</b>. The magnetic sensors <b>17</b><i>a</i>, <b>17</b><i>b</i>, and <b>17</b><i>c </i>are used to detect states of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> (a state where the second body <b>12</b> is at a closed position and a state where the second body <b>12</b> is at an open position). The state where the second body <b>12</b> is at the closed position is hereinafter referred to as a closed state and the state where the second body <b>12</b> is at the open position is hereinafter referred to as an open state.

p-0030The first body <b>11</b> and the second body <b>12</b> have locking mechanisms (not shown) used for locking the first body <b>11</b> and the second body <b>12</b> at the open position or the closed position when the second body <b>12</b> is slid via the guide unit (guide member) (not shown). The positions of the locking mechanisms match with the positions where the magnetic sensors <b>17</b><i>b </i>and <b>17</b><i>c </i>are provided. The locking mechanisms have, for example, a structure in which the first body <b>11</b> is mechanically engaged with the second body <b>12</b>. If the user applies a pressure higher than a predetermined reference value to cause the slide operation, the locking state is released to allow the second body <b>12</b> to easily slide on the first body <b>11</b>.

p-0031A transmitter-receiver antenna (an antenna <b>31</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> described below) is provided at a certain position inside the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. Radio waves are transmitted to and received from a base station (not shown) through the built-in antenna.

p-0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> are other external views of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> to which the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment of the present invention is applicable. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is an external front view of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> in a state where the second body <b>12</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is slid longitudinally (in the X direction) to be locked at the open position. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is an external rear view of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> in the state where the second body <b>12</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is slid longitudinally to be locked at the open position.

p-0033The first body <b>11</b> is substantially flat, like the second body <b>12</b>. First operation keys <b>18</b> serving as main operation keys are provided in the lower portion on the surface of the first body <b>11</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>. The user can use the first operation keys <b>18</b> to input various instructions. The first operation keys <b>18</b> include numeric keys from “0” to “9”.

p-0034The first body <b>11</b> also has a microphone <b>19</b> provided at the lower side of the first operation keys <b>18</b>. The microphone <b>19</b> is used to collect the voice of the user during talking.

p-0035The first body <b>11</b> has a battery pack (not shown) provided at the rear side thereof. When the end-power key is turned on, power is supplied from the battery pack to each circuit to activate the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, the first body <b>11</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> has a CCD camera <b>20</b> on the rear surface thereof. The CCD camera <b>20</b> captures an image of a desired object.

p-0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> to which the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

p-0037In the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the antenna <b>31</b> receives a radio signal transmitted from the base station (not shown) and supplies the received radio signal to a receiver circuit (RX) <b>33</b> through an antenna duplexer (DUP) <b>32</b>. The receiver circuit <b>33</b> mixes the received radio signal with a local oscillator signal supplied from a frequency synthesizer (SYN) <b>34</b> to down-convert the radio signal into an intermediate-frequency signal (frequency conversion). The receiver circuit <b>33</b> performs quadrature demodulation to the down-converted intermediate-frequency signal to output a reception baseband signal. The frequency of the local oscillator signal generated by the frequency synthesizer <b>34</b> is instructed with a control signal SYC supplied from a control unit <b>41</b>.

p-0038The reception baseband signal is supplied from the receiver circuit <b>33</b> to a CDMA signal processor <b>36</b>. The CDMA signal processor <b>36</b> is provided with a RAKE receiver (not shown). The RAKE receiver despreads each path included in the reception baseband signal with a spread code (that is, the same spread code as that of the spread reception signal). The signal of each path that is despread is subjected to phase adjustment and, then, is subjected to coherent RAKE combination. Data series subjected to the RAKE combination is subjected to deinterleave and channel decoding (error correction decoding) and, then, is subjected to binary determination, thereby generating reception packet data in a predetermined transmission format. The reception packet data is supplied to a compression-decompression processor <b>37</b>.

p-0039The compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> is, for example, a DSP. The compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> separates the reception packet data supplied from the CDMA signal processor <b>36</b> for every medium with a demultiplexer (not shown) and decodes the separated reception packet data. For example, in a talk mode, the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> decodes audio data corresponding to a voice included in the reception packet data by speech codec. If the reception packet data includes moving image data, for example, in a videophone mode, the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> decodes the moving image data by video codec. If the reception packet data is download content, the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> decompresses the download content and supplies the decompressed download content to the control unit <b>41</b>.

p-0040A digital audio signal resulting from the decoding is supplied to a PCM CODEC <b>38</b>. The PCM CODEC <b>38</b> performs PCM decoding to the digital audio signal supplied from the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> and supplies an analog audio signal resulting from the PCM decoding to a reception amplifier <b>39</b>. The analog audio signal is amplified by the reception amplifier <b>39</b> and is output from the speaker <b>15</b>.

p-0041The digital moving image signal decoded by the video codec in the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> is supplied to the control unit <b>41</b>. The control unit <b>41</b> displays a moving image based on the digital moving image signal supplied from the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> in the main display <b>13</b> via a video RAM (for example, a VRAM) (not shown). The control unit <b>41</b> may display a moving image based on moving image data captured by the CCD camera <b>20</b> in the main display <b>13</b> via the video RAM (not shown), in addition to the moving image based on the received moving image data.

p-0042If the reception packet data is an e-mail, the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> supplies the e-mail to the control unit <b>41</b>. The control unit <b>41</b> stores the e-mail supplied from the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> in a storage unit <b>42</b>. The control unit <b>41</b> reads out the e-mail stored in the storage unit <b>42</b> in response to a user's operation with any of the first operation keys <b>18</b> and the second operation keys <b>14</b>, which serve as an input unit, and displays the readout e-mail in the main display <b>13</b>.

p-0043An voice signal (analog audio signal) of a speaker (user) received by the microphone <b>19</b> in the talk mode is amplified by a transmission amplifier <b>40</b> to an appropriate level and is subjected to PCM coding by the PCM CODEC <b>38</b>. A digital audio signal resulting from the PCM coding is supplied to the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b>. A moving image signal supplied from the CCD camera <b>20</b> is digitized by the control unit <b>41</b> and is supplied to the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b>. In addition, an e-mail, which is text data, created in the control unit <b>41</b> is also supplied to the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b>.

p-0044The compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> encodes and compresses the digital audio signal supplied from the PCM CODEC <b>38</b> in a format corresponding to a predetermined transmission data rate to generate audio data. The compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> encodes and compresses the digital moving image signal supplied from the control unit <b>41</b> to generate moving image data. The compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> multiplexes the audio data or the moving image data in a predetermined transmission format with a demultiplexer (not shown), packetizes the multiplexed audio data or moving image data, and supplies the transmission packet data after the packetization to the CDMA signal processor <b>36</b>. The compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> also multiplexes the e-mail supplied from the control unit <b>41</b> into transmission packet data.

p-0045The CDMA signal processor <b>36</b> spectrum-spreads the transmission packet data supplied from the compression-decompression processor <b>37</b> with a spread code allocated to the transmission channel and supplies the output signal resulting from the spread spectrum processing to a transmitter circuit (TX) <b>35</b>. The transmitter circuit <b>35</b> modulates the signal resulting from the spread spectrum processing in a digital modulation format, such as QPSK. The transmitter circuit <b>35</b> mixes the transmission signal resulting from the digital modulation with a local oscillator signal generated by the frequency synthesizer <b>34</b> to up-convert the transmission signal into a radio signal (frequency conversion). The transmitter circuit <b>35</b> RF-amplifies the radio signal resulting from the up-conversion so as to yield a transmission power level indicated by the control unit <b>41</b>. The RF-amplified radio signal is supplied to the antenna <b>31</b> through the antenna duplexer <b>32</b> and is transmitted to the base station (not shown) from the antenna <b>31</b>.

p-0046The slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is also provided with an external memory interface <b>46</b>. The external memory interface <b>46</b> has a slot from which a memory card <b>47</b> is detachable. The memory card <b>47</b> is a flash memory card, such as a NAND flash memory card or NOR flash memory card. A variety of data, such as image data, audio data, and music data, can be written in or read out from the memory card <b>47</b> through a 10-pin terminal.

p-0047The control unit <b>41</b> includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU executes a variety of processing in accordance with programs stored in the ROM or various application programs loaded from the storage unit <b>42</b> into the RAM. The CPU generates various control signals and supplies the generated control signals to the components in the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> in order to control the entire slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. The RAM stores data necessary for the CPU to execute the variety of processing.

p-0048The storage unit <b>42</b> is, for example, a flash memory device, which is an electronically erasable and programmable read only memory, or an HDD. The storage unit <b>42</b> stores the various application programs executed by the CPU in the control unit <b>41</b> or various data groups.

p-0049A power circuit <b>44</b> generates a predetermined power supply voltage Vcc on the basis of an output from a battery <b>43</b> and supplies the generated power supply voltage Vcc to the circuits in the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. The slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is further provided with a clock circuit <b>45</b> for accurately measuring the current time.

p-0050<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart showing an example of a controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key is started when the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> or when any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key.

p-0051Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in Step S<b>1</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> determines whether the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed. The control unit <b>41</b> waits until the control unit <b>41</b> determines that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed. To be more specific, the control unit <b>41</b> determines that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed, when the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> or when any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key.

p-0052The control unit <b>41</b> cannot determine whether the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> or whether any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key only on the basis of the determination of whether the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed. In the latter case, it is normally supposed that the external pressure is also applied to another operation key that is provided on the surface of the second body <b>12</b> and that has the same height as that of the end-power key, in addition to the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> (that is, a state where the multiple keys are pressed). Accordingly, the control unit <b>41</b> also determines whether another operation key is concurrently pressed when the end-power key is pressed. If the control unit <b>41</b> determines that another operation key is concurrently pressed when the end-power key is pressed, the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the end-power key is unintentionally pressed, as in the latter case. If the control unit <b>41</b> determines that another operation key is not concurrently pressed when the end-power key is pressed, the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b>.

p-0053If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>1</b> that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed, then in Step S<b>2</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> determines whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed. In other words, the control unit <b>41</b> determines whether the end-power key is unintentionally pressed or whether the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b>.

p-0054If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>2</b> that any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed, then in Step S<b>3</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key and disables the end-power key. Accordingly, it is possible to disable the function of the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> as the power key and to inhibit the on-operation or off-operation of the end-power key as the power key when any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key. Consequently, even if the operation keys are exposed outside, like the second operation keys <b>14</b> on the second body <b>12</b>, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user.

p-0055After the control unit <b>41</b> disables the end-power key in Step S<b>3</b>, the process goes back to Step S<b>1</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>1</b>. Accordingly, even if a similar situation repeatedly occurs, it is possible to disable the function of the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> as the power key to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user.

p-0056If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>2</b> that any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is not pressed, then in Step S<b>4</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed and enables the end-power key to turn on or off the end-power key as the power key. Accordingly, the end-power key is turned on or off as the normal power key in response to a user's operation with the second operation keys <b>14</b>.

p-0057After the control unit <b>41</b> enables the end-power key in Step S<b>4</b>, the process goes back to Step S<b>1</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>1</b>.

p-0058In the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> according to the present embodiment of the present invention in which the second body <b>12</b> is provided so as to be slidable on the first body <b>11</b> via the guide unit (not shown), it is determined whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> provided on the second body <b>12</b> is pressed when, for example, the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> provided on the second body <b>12</b> is pressed. If it is determined that any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> provided on the second body <b>12</b> is pressed, the end-power key can be disabled to inhibit the end-power key from operating in response to a user's operation of the end-power key.

p-0059The function of the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> as the power key can be disabled to inhibit the on-operation or off-operation of the end-power key as the power key when any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key. Consequently, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user even if the operation keys are exposed outside, like the second operation keys <b>14</b> provided on the second body <b>12</b>. As a result, it is possible to improve the user-friendliness of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>.

p-0060Although the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is explicitly described in the present embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to such a case and is applicable to all the operation keys on the surface of the second body <b>12</b>. For example, the present invention is applicable to another operation key, such as the call key, in the second operation keys <b>14</b>.

p-0061In the normal state, after the user presses the end-power key to turn on or off the power supply, the user can erroneously press another operation key in the second operation keys <b>14</b>. In this case, the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> cannot be undesirably turned on or off despite the fact that the user intentionally presses the end-power key. Accordingly, it may be determined whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed after a predetermined time (for example, two to three seconds) elapsed since the end-power key is pressed so that it can be accurately determined whether the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> or whether any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key. With this method, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user-friendliness of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. A controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key by using the above method will now be described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

p-0062<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart showing another example of the controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Since Steps S<b>11</b> and S<b>13</b> to S<b>15</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> are similar to Steps S<b>1</b> to S<b>4</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a description of Steps S<b>11</b> and S<b>13</b> to S<b>15</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is omitted herein.

p-0063Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, if the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>11</b> that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed, then in Step S<b>12</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> determines whether a predetermined time (for example, two to three seconds) set in advance by the clock circuit <b>45</b> elapsed. The control unit <b>41</b> waits until the control unit <b>41</b> determines that the predetermined time (for example, two to three seconds) set in advance elapsed. If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>12</b> that the predetermined time (for example, two to three seconds) set in advance elapsed, the process goes to Step S<b>13</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>13</b>. In Step S<b>13</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> determines whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed.

p-0064If the user erroneously presses another operation key after pressing the end-power key to turn on or off the power supply, it is supposed that the state where the end-power key and the other operation key are pressed can be resolved after two to three seconds elapsed even if the other operation key is pressed. In contrast, if any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key, it is supposed that the state where the end-power key and the other operation key are pressed, caused by the external pressure, cannot be immediately resolved even after two to three seconds elapsed.

p-0065Accordingly, if it is determined that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed, it can be accurately determined whether the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> or whether any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key by determining whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed after a predetermined time (for example, two to three seconds) elapsed. Consequently, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user even if the operation keys are exposed outside, like the second operation keys <b>14</b> provided on the second body <b>12</b>. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user-friendliness of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>.

p-0066Instead of the determination of whether a predetermined time set in advance elapsed, it may be determined whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed when the power key is turned on or off.

p-0067It is supposed that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is usually put in a pocket or bag of the user in the closed state, instead of the open state. In other words, since it is supposed that the user is using the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> when the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the open state, the end-power key may be turned on or off as the power key. Accordingly, if it is determined that the end-power key is pressed, the magnetic sensors <b>17</b><i>a </i>to <b>17</b><i>c </i>may be used to determine whether the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state. If it is determined that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state, it is determined whether any operation key other than the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed. If it is determined that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the open state, the end-power key is immediately turned on or off as the power key. With this method, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user-friendliness of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. A controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key by using the above method will now be described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

p-0068<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flowchart showing another example of the controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Since Steps S<b>21</b> and S<b>23</b> to S<b>25</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> are similar to Steps S<b>1</b> to S<b>4</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a description of Steps S<b>21</b> and S<b>23</b> to S<b>25</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is omitted herein.

p-0069Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, if the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>21</b> that the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> is pressed, then in Step S<b>22</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> uses the magnetic sensors <b>17</b><i>a </i>to <b>17</b><i>c </i>to determine whether the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state. If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>22</b> that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state, the process goes to Step S<b>23</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>23</b>.

p-0070If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>22</b> that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is not in the closed state (that is, the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the open state), the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the user is using the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. In this case, the process skips Step S<b>23</b>. In Step S<b>25</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the user presses the end-power key in the second operation keys <b>14</b> and enables the end-power key to turn on or off the end-power key as the power key. Accordingly, the end-power key is immediately turned on or off as the normal power key in response to a user's operation with the second operation keys <b>14</b>.

p-0071After the control unit <b>41</b> enables the end-power key in Step S<b>25</b>, the process goes back to Step S<b>21</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>21</b>.

p-0072The function of the end-power key as the power key can be disabled to inhibit the on-operation or off-operation of the end-power key as the power key only if the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state even when the operation keys are exposed outside, like the second operation keys <b>14</b> on the second body <b>12</b>. Consequently, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user. In addition, it is possible to immediately turn on or off the end-power key as the normal power key in response to a user's operation with the second operation keys <b>14</b> when the user is using the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. As a result, it is possible to further improve the user-friendliness of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>.

p-0073In recent years, since one operation key functions not only as the power key but also as the end key to be used as the end-power key, as described above, the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> can receive an incoming call from another mobile phone even when the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state and the user can talk by using the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>. In such a case, the user possibly presses the end-power key to terminate the talking even when the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state. Accordingly, simply disabling the end-power key because the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state prevents the user from terminating the talking. If any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key, it is supposed that the end-power key is continuously pressed for a longer time because of the external pressure.

p-0074Accordingly, when the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state, it may be determined whether the end-power key is pressed for a longer time (long depression) or for a shorter time (short depression). If it is determined that the end-power key is pressed for a longer time (long depression), the function of the end-power key as the power key may be disabled to inhibit the on-operation or off-operation of the end-power key as the power key. If it is determined that the end-power key is pressed for a shorter time (short depression), the function of the end-power key as the end key may be enabled to terminate the call as the end key. A controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key by using the above method will now be described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

p-0075<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart showing another example of the controlling process of enabling or disabling the end-power key in the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Since Steps S<b>31</b>, S<b>32</b>, S<b>34</b>, and S<b>37</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> are similar to Steps S<b>21</b> to S<b>22</b> and Steps S<b>24</b> to S<b>25</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a description of Steps S<b>31</b>, S<b>32</b>, S<b>34</b>, and S<b>37</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is omitted herein.

p-0076Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, if the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>32</b> that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is not in the closed state (that is, the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the open state), then in Step S<b>33</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the user is using the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> and uses the clock circuit <b>45</b> to determine whether the end-power key is pressed for a longer time (long depression). The short depression means that one operation key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, for one second) set in advance. The long depression means that one operation key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, three seconds) set in advance so as to be longer than the time set for the short depression.

p-0077If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>33</b> that the end-power key is pressed for a longer time (long depression), then in Step S<b>34</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> enables the end-power key and turns on or off the power key. Then, the process goes back to Step S<b>31</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>31</b>.

p-0078If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>33</b> that the end-power key is not pressed for a longer time (the end-power key is pressed for a shorter time (short depression)), then in Step S<b>35</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> enables the end-power key that functions as the end key to terminate the call. Then, the process goes back to Step S<b>31</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>31</b>.

p-0079If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>32</b> that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state, then in Step S<b>36</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> uses the clock circuit <b>45</b> to determine whether the end-power key is pressed for a longer time (long depression).

p-0080If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>36</b> that the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is not pressed for a longer time (the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is pressed for a shorter time (short depression)), the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that the user is using the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> for talking. Then, in Step S<b>35</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> enables the end-power key that functions as the end key to terminate the call. Then, the process goes back to Step S<b>31</b> to repeat the steps subsequent to Step S<b>31</b>.

p-0081With the above method, when the user presses the end-power key to terminate the talking even if the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is in the closed state, the end-power key can function as the end key to terminate the call. Consequently, it is possible to preferably prevent any malfunction unintended by the user and to further improve the user-friendliness of the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>.

p-0082If the control unit <b>41</b> determines in Step S<b>36</b> that the end-power key is pressed for a longer time (long depression), the control unit <b>41</b> recognizes that any external pressure is applied to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> with being put in the pocket or bag of the user to unintentionally press the end-power key. Then, in Step S<b>37</b>, the control unit <b>41</b> disables the end-power key.

p-0083The processes described above according to the embodiments of the present invention may be appropriately combined with each other. Although the slide mobile phone <b>1</b> is explicitly described as the mobile phone in which the operation keys are exposed outside in the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to such a case and is applicable to a linear mobile phone or a foldable mobile phone.

p-0084The present invention is applicable to a PDA, a personal computer, a portable game machine, a portable music player, a portable moving image player, or another information processing apparatus, in addition to the slide mobile phone <b>1</b>.

p-0085The series of processes according to the embodiments of the present invention may be performed by software or may be performed by hardware.

p-0086Although the steps in the flowcharts are performed in time series in the described order in the embodiments of the present invention, the steps may be performed in parallel or individually.